Top 10 PlayStation Vita Role Playing Games You Must Play

The PlayStation Vita has been out for almost 5 years now, and looking back at its history one particular genre of games stands out: Roleplaying games. Anywhere from traditional JRPGs to Dungeon Crawlers, Action RPGs and more unorthodox video games, the PS Vita surely has you covered. If you’re looking to finally grab this console on sale, or want just a few recommendations to add to your library, be sure to check out this list of top 10 PlayStation Vita RPGs you should try.

Freedom Wars

Freedom Wars is an action RPG that takes place in a setting where you are a prisoner and must fight to reduce your sentence and eventually gain your freedom. Freedom Wars does a very good job of easing a player’s first experience into an action RPG, and plays quite well on the PS Vita. The portable aspect also does well for the console, allowing you to do a quick mission here and there whenever you have free time.

For those who have played the Monster Hunter series, Freedom Wars will seem to be cut from the same cloth, with large monsters to hunt, partying with friends and allies, and multitude of weapons and equipment to craft.

Atelier+ Series

The Atelier Series by Gust is more of a traditional JRPG experience, but with a special twist. In each of the Atelier games, you play as an alchemist who has the power to create items. The game is unique as it features an in-depth crafting system, alongside a time mechanic. As an alchemist, you’ll need to both procure materials in the field, and then create items either to complete quests or to supplement your own battle equipment.

Besides the traditional JRPG turn-based gameplay, the Atelier series also feature a variety of likeable characters and a light-hearted story. For those looking for a JRPG with a different approach, look no further than the Atelier series. There are currently five Atelier+ games available on the PlayStation Vita, in chronological order they are Rorona, Totori, Meruru, Ayesha, and Escha & Logy.

Demon Gaze

Dungeon crawlers have been around for some time, but recently they’ve come back again in full force, especially on the PlayStation Vita. Demon Gaze is one that doesn’t break any genre norms, and is also simple enough that a beginner of the genre can enjoy.

The main appeal of Demon Gaze is the dungeon spelunking nature of the game, and the difficulty involved with taking down bosses. Though the game is relatively simple, you’ll still require a good understanding of tactics and knowledge to bring down the various challenging monsters. One slip-up, and even regular monsters can take you into a game over screen. Add onto the fact that you can customize every aspect of your party members and composition, makes Demon Gaze an enjoyable 40 hour experience.

Disgaea Series

Disgaea is well known for their tactical role-playing games, involving big numbers and essentially a limitless endgame for powering up your characters. For those who enjoyed the turn-based strategy elements of games like Final Fantasy Tactics, Fire Emblem and Tactics Ogre, Disgaea may be a series for you.

Currently there are two games released on the Vita, Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice, and Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten. Though they have different characters and plots, in general the gameplay itself remains unchanged between entries in the series.

Ys: Memories of Celceta

Ys is an older JRPG series, but with action RPG elements and real-time combat. Memories of Celceta is the release for the PS Vita, and it does a very good job of incorporating elements from the previous series into this new iteration. Although it is set placed after Ys II, and before Ys: The Oath in Felghana, it isn’t absolutely necessary to play those games in order to fully enjoy Memories of Celceta.

For those looking for an enjoyable story with action RPG elements, look no further than Ys: Memories of Celceta.